[2025 Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Attraction] Travel Guide for Reclining Buddha, Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon (Updated May)

Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Thai kingdom, carries countless marks of history. Wat Mongkhon Bophit, as one of the city's most significant religious and cultural landmarks, is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for every traveler. Nestled within the ruins of the old city, this temple stands out as one of Ayutthaya's most prominent attractions due to its magnificent architecture, long history, and profound religious significance. Historical Background: Wat Mongkhon Bophit was first built in the 15th century during the golden era of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Due to its importance in Buddhism, it was a frequent place of worship for both royalty and commoners. The temple has undergone multiple reconstructions and restorations, the most notable being in the 18th century. After the Burmese army invaded Ayutthaya in 1767, many structures were damaged, including Wat Mongkhon Bophit. Following centuries of repair and rebuilding, the temple today stands as both a cultural testament and a classic example of Thai Buddhist architecture. Architectural Features: Upon entering Wat Mongkhon Bophit, you will be immediately struck by its grandeur and solemnity. The most iconic structure within the temple is the main hall (Ubosot), a dazzling building that showcases unique Thai architectural styles. Its towering golden roof, intricate carvings, and majestic columns all highlight the splendor and sanctity of traditional Thai temples. Inside the main hall, the centerpiece is a massive golden Buddha statue, a masterpiece of Thai Buddhist art symbolizing infinite compassion and peace. Surrounding the statue are exquisite murals and carvings that vividly depict the life of Buddha and Buddhist scriptures. Visiting Experience: Stepping into Wat Mongkhon Bophit, you can immediately feel a sense of tranquility, as if isolated from the outside world. Local monks chant prayers, and the air is filled with the scent of incense, inspiring awe and reverence. Walking through the ancient temple corridors, you can slow down and quietly admire the surrounding greenery and lakes, immersing yourself in a profound serenity. The Buddha statue and intricate carvings within the temple not only showcase Thailand's traditional religious culture but also offer deeper insights into Buddhist philosophy. If you're interested in Thai history or religion, every detail here is worth pausing to explore. Listening to explanations from guides or monks will enrich your understanding of the site's history and background. Additionally, the temple's environment is a haven for meditation and mindfulness enthusiasts. You can find a quiet corner to sit and experience the unique calming atmosphere of Thai temples, allowing your body and mind to relax amidst a busy travel schedule. Nearby Attractions: After visiting Wat Mongkhon Bophit, consider exploring other attractions in Ayutthaya. Historical sites within the ancient city, such as Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, are also worth visiting. These locations not only feature impressive architecture but also provide further insights into Thailand's ancient civilization and Buddhist culture. Best Time to Visit: Given Thailand's hot climate, the best time to visit Ayutthaya is during the dry season, from November to February. During this period, the weather is pleasant, ideal for extended outdoor walks, and less humid. Tips: • Respect the culture and faith: Before entering the temple, dress modestly and avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. • Bring water: As Ayutthaya can be quite hot, remember to carry enough water to stay hydrated. • Check opening hours: Temples are usually open from morning to afternoon, but special religious events may lead to temporary closures. Conclusion: In the ancient city of Ayutthaya, Wat Mongkhon Bophit is a place where you can truly find peace. Whether you're interested in history or eager to experience Thailand's unique religious atmosphere, this site offers a distinctive cultural journey. Walking through the river of history, feeling the tranquility and wisdom of Buddhism, allows your soul to be cleansed on this ancient land.

Ayutthaya Worship Review: A One-Day Trip, Full of Joy and Merit Last weekend, I had the opportunity to worship at Ayutthaya with my friends on a One-Day Trip. It was a short trip but very fulfilling. It was a merit-making trip, a photography trip, and a food trip. It was complete! 🚗 How to get there: We left Bangkok at around 7am. We drove there for about an hour and a half. The driving atmosphere was comfortable and the road was good all the way. 🛕 There were 3 temples in total: Wat Yai Chaimongkol This place is very magnificent. There is a large golden yellow pagoda as the highlight. You have to walk up the stairs to the top. The view is beautiful. You can see the whole temple. Looking down, you can see the Buddha statues lined up. The reclining Buddha is also very worthy of worship. People come to worship all the time. Wat Phanan Choeng Worawihan This temple is a must-see for those who are into merit-making! There is a very large and beautiful “Luang Pho To”. There were a lot of people coming to worship. We went in the morning. We had to queue to enter the temple. But when we got there, we felt very peaceful. We prayed and made a wish. I can’t explain how happy I felt. Wat Mahathat This is an ancient temple with a Buddha head in a Bodhi tree. It is a landmark of Ayutthaya. The atmosphere around the temple is full of ancient ruins, full of history. It is very enjoyable to walk and take pictures. The sun may be a bit strong, but if you go in the evening, the light will be very beautiful. 📸 Recommendations: You should wear polite clothes because some temples have rules about the dress code. Bring an umbrella or hat. The sun is very strong. #Get a discount without relying on luck #Ayutthaya is worth visiting #Worship Buddha in Ayutthaya #Ayutthaya Old City

#Get a discount without relying on luck **Wat Yai Chai Mongkhol, Ayutthaya: Experience the valuable ancient civilization** Wat Yai Chai Mongkhol is one of the important historical temples of Ayutthaya that has maintained its grandeur and sacredness through time. It is located in the southeast of the island of Ayutthaya, in Khlong Suan Phlu Subdistrict. It is a popular destination for both Thai and foreign tourists who want to see ancient architecture and absorb stories of past battles. ### **History and significance** Wat Yai Chai Mongkhol was originally called **"Wat Pa Kaew"** or **"Wat Chao Phraya Thai"**. It was built in 1900 during the reign of King Ramathibodi I (King U Thong) as a hermitage of the Pa Kaew sect who had ordained in Sri Lanka. Later, during the reign of King Naresuan the Great, this temple was elevated when he built **“Phra Chedi Chai Mongkol”** to celebrate the victory over the Burmese Maha Uparaja in the Elephant Battle at Nong Sarai Subdistrict, Suphan Buri Province in 2135. This historical significance has led to the temple being registered as part of the **Ayutthaya Historical Park**. ### **Must-See Highlights** 1. **Phra Chedi Chai Mongkol** A large bell-shaped chedi with a height of 62.10 meters, considered the tallest chedi in Ayutthaya, built on top of the original to declare the honor of King Naresuan. Inside, **“Chai Mongkol Katha”** (Pahung Mahaka verse) is enshrined, and there is a room in the middle of the chedi where tourists like to toss coins to make a wish. On top, there is also a viewpoint to see the surrounding scenery. 2. **Phra Phuttha Saiyas (Reclining Buddha)** A white reclining Buddha statue in a golden robe, located in an old temple with only the remains of pillars and walls left. It was built during the reign of King Naresuan to be used as a place for meditation. And was renovated in 1965. Visitors often wear a monk's robe to pray for mercy and success. 3. **Ubosot and Phra Buddha Chinnarat** Inside enshrines **“Phra Buddha Chai Mongkhon”** the principal Buddha image in the Mara-Vijaya attitude and **“Phra Buddha Chinnarat”** a replica believed to be sacred in matters of work and finance. In front is a Naga head carved from ancient stone. 4. **Somdet Phra Naresuan the Great Shrine** Located behind the temple, it enshrines the royal monument of Somdet Phra Naresuan in the pouring of holy water to commemorate his great kindness. 5. **Temple model** Located at the entrance, it helps to understand the original plan of the temple before it was destroyed during the second fall of Ayutthaya. ### **Tourist experience** - **Getting there**: You can drive your own car along Si Sanphet Road or take public transportation from Bangkok. Get off at the Wat Sampluem Chedi roundabout and take a motorbike taxi. - **Opening hours**: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. **No admission fee** - **Recommendations**: Dress appropriately. Women should wear sleeveless shirts and skirts/long pants. ### **Historical and Belief Facts** - This temple used to be the meeting place for candlelight vigils of the opposition group of Khun Worawongsa Thirat before inviting Phra Theerarat to ascend to the throne as Somdet Phra Maha Chakkraphat. - It is believed that if you throw a coin into the middle of the chedi and it falls to the base, your wish will be granted. ### **Nearby Places** - **Wat Phu Khao Thong**: Thai-Burmese architecture - **Wat Phanan Choeng**: Pay homage to Luang Pho To and feed the fish - **Wat Phra Ngam**: See the beautiful ancient doors ### **Summary** Wat Yai Chai Mongkol is not only a tourist attraction, but also a **“living museum”** that tells the story of history through architectural remains and stories of the restoration of independence. Visiting here is like traveling back in time. To understand the roots of Thainess that are worth preserving forever.

It’s been a long time never visit BKK but every time go there I always exited 😊😊

heritage city , very great place for visit

#travel 22 July 2024